5th Jan 2010, 15:48

I have a 2001 Passat GLS, first half of the year model. It's a 2.8 V6 with 215,000 miles on it. I bought it brand new and it's been an excellent car. Mostly routine maintenance repairs, except for the deer I hit in 2005, and the exhaust, which has run me around $1500.00.

I was in the dealer recently to buy a new blinker housing, and the service team told me they've seen this model year V-6 come in frequently with high mileage and still running. If you bought a 4 cylinder, you're not so lucky, 2001.5 included. I too have developed an oil burning smell, but I can't complain at all. 250,000 miles is my goal before I retire it.

12th Jan 2010, 09:38

More 01.5 Passat electrical ghosts!

I have 126,000 on my V6 GLS wagon and have loved the way it handles. However... ABS and check engine light came on simultaneously about 1 yr ago. Dealer said it needs new ABS module ($800), O2 sensor ($200), and cat converter ($900).

Ignored ABS problem (brakes fine).

Replaced O2 sensor and CC, but light is still on. It has been rebooted several times, but can't pass vehicle inspection.

Replaced drivers side headlight at least 4 times.

Now drivers side door open error message comes on, in spite of door clearly being closed and locked from inside.

On the positive side, check engine light has gone off again. Maybe it need an exorcism instead.

8th Apr 2010, 01:47

Well, thank God I didn't purchase that 2001 VW GLS from this guy for 2500 dollars. Glad I did a little research, seems too cheap to be good.

One guy at work said, lots of electrical PROBLEMS, and electric issues cost money and mostly don't get fixed all the way.

I test drove, feels right, but the engine smells like burning oil, the CD player don't work, the DRIVER seat doesn't move back or forward, the dashboard is cracking up on a 2001 car (ridiculous); small but I noticed it, one headlight is extremely shaded/oxidized, and yeah one guy here said that the grill coming off (one of the fog light grills are missing. So, it's all true.

I said to myself I'll spend another 500-800 to fix the cosmetics. Forget it now. FYI the seller said "just replaced the clutch for $1015". I was like (what) let me think it over. THANK YOU SO MUCH GUYS FOR POSTING.

10th Jun 2010, 15:03

I also am an unfortunate owner of a 2001.5 Passat GLS... it's a piece of crap! I should have read here before buying... So far we've replaced headlight bulbs and flasher relay.

It NEEDS a new turbo.

It likes to blow smoke when idling... and it has a major loss of power.

It recently had new ignition coils installed as part of a recall.

CEL light is on, it came one two weeks after I bought it.

I also have a 2002 Maxima SE with a 6 speed that's been way more reliable with no problems.. it has 132k miles... My Passat has 143k...

I'll NEVER buy another VW again.

22nd Jun 2010, 17:40

My parents bought a 2001.5 V6 Passat that was given to me almost exactly 4 years ago now.

When they owned it, they put a lot of highway miles on it and never had any trouble out of the ordinary.

HOWEVER, since I've had the car, most of the miles put on it have also been highway miles, other than the occasional trip. A tank of gas has always lasted me at least a month or two (only have to drive short distances daily).

The car was great for the first couple years, but since then all I've done is funnel more and more money into it.

DON'T GET ONE! It may drive nice, but as soon as something goes wrong, you better hope you have a deep wallet.

I am a college student, and while I'm not an expert on cars, I take much better care of my car than the average person my age; yet even cars from the late 80's that have have been horribly maintained, still end up in the shop less than my car. I've become anxious driving the car, because as soon as I get it fixed, I am just looking out for the next problem to come up.

If I was on my own financially and in my early-mid 20's, buying a car like this instead of a Honda or something more cheaply and easily fixed, would be a dangerous gamble.

30th Aug 2010, 12:06

Wow, I must be the exception to the rule here with the 2001 V6 Passat! I have a 5 speed version with 171,000 miles on it, and am heartsick about having to potentially sell it. I have had some repairs over the year, but mostly what I would consider to be normal, especially for a car with this many miles.

Right now I have a CV joint/axle that needs to be replaced. My fault that the repair has to go that far, as I didn't get it to the shop as quickly as I should have. Otherwise, it's a blast to drive, seats passengers comfortably, and has been a lot of fun. Someone suggested to me a few years ago that I get rid of it because of all the supposed problems it has - boy am I glad I didn't listen to that advice.

11th Sep 2010, 16:53

After reading these comments I'm very surprised my 2001.0 V6 Passat is still alive. It's been passed from my dad, to my sister, now to me for my high school years.

Although my main understanding is any type of engineering, the small repairs I've done myself with simple items (not duct tape). We used to have the infamous "emissions workshop" check engine combo for a year or so until we finally got fed up with it and went to a German auto specialist. The computer errors said cat and both O2 sensors were bad. But he knew it was an electronic valve in a certain vacuum line. It was replaced for 100$ and we I have had no problems since.

That was until the car wouldn't start from cold without a minute of turning and puttering. The computer had a shopping list of errors and wanted so many things replaced. Turns out all it needed was a coolant temp sensor and BAM. Nothing wrong since.

Other than maintenance and simple fixes, I love this car. Recently I've wet sanded the head casings for brighter light and non yellowness. I currently have 105k miles, Penzoil high mileage oil, self installed 10inch subs, premium gas (runs like a top) and the shiniest car in the school parking lot from 2001.

My advice to you is:

- Know a German car mechanic you can go to.

- Don't believe the computer diag all the time.

- Proper maintenance.

- Have fun with it.

jason.adcock92@gmail.com.

13th Dec 2010, 09:13

The 2001 Passat is the worst car I have ever owned (I'm 62). We bought it used and had many of the previous problems mentioned as well as an oil cooler.

It will no longer pass an inspection since after $1800 the garage cannot get the emissions light to go off. In New York State that means it is junk - which I guess I've known for a long time.

Gotta go - I'm off to the junk yard.

30th Jun 2011, 11:09

This comment helped a lot. I am driving a borrowed 2001 Passat. Brake lights, turn signals, hazards, door locks, remote lock, left headlight - all are malfunctioning. Owner is unemployed and cannot afford to fix. I am employed but will not pay for it!

In fact, I will never purchase a Volkswagen, new or used.